UEFA Nations League B3, Game 4

Finland completed this period of four games in eleven days with a postive performance, marred only by wasteful finishing that cost them dearly, as Bosnia-Herzegovina took all the points with a 3-2 victory.

Finland couldn’t have wished for a worse start to the game, conceding a harsh penalty as Sauli Väisänen was adjudged to be holding Edin Dzeko defending an esrly corner. Miralem Pjanic converted putting the hosts in front. Two goals on the counter from Teemu Pukki and Ben Källman turned the tables for the Huuhkajat before the referee turned a controversial decision as VAR overturned the linesman’s offside decision for Dzeko based on the positioning of his of his shoulder.

Level at the break the second half calmed down as the hosts decided against their attacking play and began to sit back. For Finland the schedule was clearly visible in some lethargic play. On 58 minutes Dzeko, managed to run past three play defenders before placing his shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

For their part Finland made chances, Pukki and Niskanen shot wide when incredibly well positioned. In the end though the Huuhkajat ran out of energy and ideas, throwing men forward but without the urgency or pressing needed to force a third. With two games left in League B, Finland are now third and need another win to ensure they don’t drop down a league, not what most fans were expecting 12 days ago.

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